Happy Birthday, Maggie

Maggie has turned 8! It seems like just yesterday I was bringing home another Christmas baby. It was so fun to have a girl again after those four boys. She is fun and energetic. She loves to sing and dance and may be my last shot at having a child who loves the theater like I do. She loves to play dolls and loves to keep up with her brothers. She's always up for a little football game. We have so much fun watching movies together and shopping together. Maggie began sleeping with me when Jay left when she was ten days old and more nights than not she is still in bed with us. She brings so much joy to me and so much frustration to her brothers. She delights her father, most of the time. I'm afraid that she may be a bit spoiled and not as easy to continue raising as her sister was but whose fault is that. She has a kind heart and loves animals. I love you, Mags.

Keep up the good work and congratulations on deciding to be baptized.

Happy Birthday, Nick

While we were in California, Nick had his tenth birthday. He got to celebrate with Pooh, Tiger, Eyeore, Minnie, and Captain Hook. Unfortunately, my camera broke on the trip so I have to wait to get my disposable developed.

Nick had a rough start in life but has made up for it ever since. He is perhaps the most fun loving, adventuresome, loving child we have. He can play all day with friends or by himself. He talks too much and too fast but he's always just Nick. He has to put up with three older brothers, which most of the time isn't fun but he makes the best of it. He loves all sports. He is full of compassion for everyone and is always ready with a hug. He loves to put his arms around me and squeeze and I love it, too. Happy Birthday, Nick. Your mom loves you.

And now we are home..

We are home after a fun, exhausting, packed week of California. The kids and I left on Saturday and Jay followed on Sunday. We got off the plane at 8 am and were on the road by 9 am. I let them talk me into Knotts Berry Farm and away we went. It was Toys for Tots day so we got in for $60.00 worth of toys, a pretty good deal.

The boys got through the gate and Maggie and I didn't see them until 3. We went on the rides we like and they hit all the huge roller coasters. They have a new coaster called The Pony Express, where you actually sit on a horse, like a carousel horse to ride the ride. It was fun and really different. After getting soaked on the rapid ride we headed to our condo. Maggie and I went to the grocery store  and the boys began their week long pool tournament.

On Sunday without Jay there I was finally able to introduce the kids to the fine art of swap meet shopping. They had a blast. They begged to leave so they wouldn't spend all their money. We then hit the beach. The kids make it look like it was warm but it wasn't. 

I stood in the sand with my sweater wrapped tightly around me. Jay got in about 8 and we headed to the world famous Crab Cooker that everyone has been telling me about. It was great.

Monday hit fast and early and we were off for the marathon adventure of Disneyland.

On Tuesdays our friends, the Zengers, met us there and stayed until Thursday. We have never traveled with friends and we had a really great time. They could even put up with the boys. I think we could do it again.

All in all it was a great vacation but now its time to think Christmas. Every year I think to myself why do we do this so close to Christmas.

California, here we come!

We are off to California and the wonderful, magical Disneyland tomorrow. It is a much needed break for all of us, besides it being the annual trek. We'll ride Pirates first, of course. Eat a little Bengal BBQ. Get lots of popcorn to remind us of my dad. Buy fun treats and just overdose(if possible) on the happiest place on earth. See you in a week.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I don't often convey my feelings for others but this Thanksgiving I feel compelled to do so. I am so thankful for my family.  Katie for being a great example to me and her brothers and sister and for Andy for loving and taking care of Katie.  Jake for being obedient and loving to learn.  Ben for always doing the right thing and being the best worker. Sam for being fun loving and for loving me. Nick for his endless affection and his willingness to do his best. Maggie for being  a girl after all those boys and loving to try new things. Jay for loving me regardless of the person that I am and for loving our kids and always trying to have fun with them. My Mom for her little quirky ways but who thinks all her kids and grandkids are the greatest. And for a Father in heaven who trusted me to raise this bunch of hoodlums and for always having my back. I feel very lucky and exceptionally blessed for the life I have. Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Halloween Is Over

Maggie as a flapper(thanks Carol)

Nick as a nerd (lame costume choice)

Sam as a Powder Puff Girl (very brave)

Ben as a disco something

Happy Birthday, Ben

Today Ben is 14! I tried really hard to not have him on Halloween but he had ideas of his own. He was ready to start living life and he has so far, done it to the fullest. Ben likes to try everything. He isn't afraid of anything and is almost always good at what he tries. He loves all sports and plays one for every season. He is a good brother(especially to Sam) who has always been his best friend. He is a good friend to everyone and no one could ask for a more loyal friend. He is very smart and gets good grades in school. He has always been our easiest kid, even through this teenage rage stage. I'm glad he came on Halloween and I'm sorry if sometimes it is a sucky day for a birthday! I love you , Ben. Keep turning into the fine young man you are becoming!